A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ilha Grande vs. Tamarindo for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Ilha Grande or Tamarindo?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Ilha Grande or Tamarindo? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Ilha Grande

Ilha Grande is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the food and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Ilha Grande travel costs.

Tamarindo

Tamarindo is a chill, scenic, and laid back town. Tamarindo is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping. See Tamarindo travel costs.

Ilha Grande and Tamarindo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ilha Grande or Tamarindo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Tamarindo than Ilha Grande, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Tamarindo is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Ilha Grande is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling. Tamarindo is more touristy than Ilha Grande and is popular for its surfing, wildlife, and leatherback sea turtles. Also, Tamarindo is famous for Las Baulas National Marine Park. Ilha Grande is well known for

How is Ilha Grande different from Tamarindo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Tamarindo and Ilha Grande. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ilha Grande or Tamarindo?

Tamarindo is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Ilha Grande does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Tamarindo specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Aside from a few art galleries, there aren't many real museums around town.

Ilha Grande does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Ilha Grande or Tamarindo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Ilha Grande and Tamarindo offer a number of notable restaurants to choose from.

Ilha Grande has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The island still has a quiet, local vibe and that can be seen in the restaurants around town as well. Many places are locally owned and serve up traditional dishes. In particular, the seafood is excellent.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Tamarindo area. There's a combination of beach bars and restaurants in town that offer local cuisine and international options. Many places have a laid back vibe that fits with the town's atmosphere but you'll also find some more upscale options.

Is Ilha Grande or Tamarindo Better for Nightlife?

Tamarindo is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Ilha Grande is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

Tamarindo has a large number of nightlife venues. The town has beach bars, dance clubs, and regular parties that attract tourists and locals alike. The evening has a vibrant atmosphere that is perfect for unwinding after a day of surfing or swimming.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Ilha Grande. It's a quiet island with a national park and most people visit specifically to get away from the busy and active city scene.

Is Ilha Grande or Tamarindo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ilha Grande is a well-known place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Tamarindo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Ilha Grande to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. There are several places where you can rent snorkeling or dive equipment. The area has coral and tropical fish, with the occasional sea turtle sighting. The visibility is generally good and the experience is worth enjoying, but make sure you check on water conditions.

Tamarindo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ilha Grande or Tamarindo Better for Beaches?

Tamarindo is a very popular place for the beach. However, Ilha Grande is not a beach destination.

Tamarindo is considered a top beach destination. The beaches are popular with surfers but the currents can be strong so swimmers should use caution. The golden sand and beautiful setting make this a fun and chill beach destination. There are also plenty of water sports to choose from.

Ilha Grande is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ilha Grande or Tamarindo?

Tamarindo is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Ilha Grande is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Tamarindo. You'll find most of the souvenir shops along Diria Grand Boulevard. There are a few upscale clothing boutiques and jewelry shops as well.

Ilha Grande is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Ilha Grande or Tamarindo More Beautiful?

Ilha Grande and Tamarindo are somewhat similar when it comes to the notable scenery.

Ilha Grande is a beautiful place to visit, too. The secluded beaches and surrounding nature make this a beautiful island to explore. It's made up of a national park and there are hiking trails and many scenic spots.

Tamarindo offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The golden sand beaches offer a beautiful setting where you can relax and soak up a chill beachfront vibe.

Is Ilha Grande or Tamarindo Better for Families?

Tamarindo is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Ilha Grande is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Tamarindo is very family-friendly. The golden beaches offer a great escape for families. The surf can be a bit strong, but the kids will love seeing the sea turtles or going horseback riding. There are also beginning surfing lessons available.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ilha Grande. Most families who visit the island come for the beaches. There are also many nice hikes, waterfalls, and even wildlife that the kids will enjoy. In the village there are a few restaurants. Many aren't geared specifically to kids, but they do have a selection that kids might enjoy.

Is Ilha Grande or Tamarindo Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ilha Grande and Tamarindo make for a very good place to visit.

Ilha Grande makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Scenic beaches and beautiful nature make this a wonderful couples retreat that's not far from Rio de Janeiro. The beaches have a more relaxed and quiet vibe than many places in Brazil and the island still holds on to its undiscovered atmosphere.

Couples visit Tamarindo frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples will enjoy romantic horseback rides along the beach, sunset cruises, and romantic meals. For the adventurous, there's surfing lessons and wildlife tours.

Is Ilha Grande or Tamarindo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ilha Grande and Tamarindo are both very good destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Ilha Grande. It is possible to reach the island with a backpacker's budget, but it will take you more time than if you hire a private tour. Once you're on the island there are some hostels and budget hotels to choose from as well.

Tamarindo is a very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. There are plenty of hostels in the area and many wonderful activities that let you experience everything that Costa Rica has to offer.

Is Ilha Grande or Tamarindo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Tamarindo is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Ilha Grande is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Tamarindo has some public transit options. There are three public bus lines through town.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Ilha Grande. You'll need to take a boat to reach the island, and once you're there, there are not vehicles around.

Is Ilha Grande or Tamarindo a more walkable city?

Ilha Grande and Tamarindo are very good when it comes to walkability.

Ilha Grande is a very walkable . There are no cars on the island and very few roads. You'll spend a lot of time hiking around, which is the best way to enjoy the island. They don't call it "big island" for no reason though, so make sure you understand the distance between destinations.

Tamarindo is a very walkable destination. The town is easy to walk around and explore on foot.

Should I spend more time in Tamarindo or Ilha Grande?

How long in Ilha Grande or Tamarindo?

In either Ilha Grande or Tamarindo, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Tamarindo than Ilha Grande because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Ilha Grande, and 3-5 days is enough time in Tamarindo.

Families should spend more time in Tamarindo than Ilha Grande. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Tamarindo, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Tamarindo than Ilha Grande. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Tamarindo that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tamarindo than Ilha Grande if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Tamarindo.

One day in Ilha Grande or Tamarindo?

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You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the of Ilha Grande. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the chill town of Tamarindo. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Ilha Grande or Tamarindo?

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You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and food around the destination of Ilha Grande. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this has to offer. This offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the scenic destination of Tamarindo. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Ilha Grande or Tamarindo?

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Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the of Ilha Grande. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the scenic town of Tamarindo. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Ilha Grande or Tamarindo?

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Ilha Grande is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Tamarindo. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil, The Best Eco Tours in Brazil, The Best Luxury Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ilha Grande and Tamarindo, we can see that Tamarindo is more expensive. And not only is Ilha Grande much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ilha Grande is in South America and Tamarindo is in Central America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Ilha Grande would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ilha Grande and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Tamarindo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tamarindo than you might in Ilha Grande.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ilha Grande Expensive? and Is Tamarindo Expensive?.